PLANS for a proposed £13m relief road to end traffic chaos in Thornton are still alive, say councillors.

And, although it is not currently being given priority status by Merseytravel and the five Merseyside councils, there is a 'realistic' chance it will get the green light if other schemes either collapse or get funding from other sources.

Cabinet member for Technical Services, Councillor Dave Martin ( Labour) has responded to some political figures who have claimed the scheme has been "killed off" by calling on Sefton's council-lors to unite behind the bid.

In a letter sent to senior Sefton councillors he said: "It is my opinion that, if dealt with positively and in the correct manner, we will be successful in having the project moved into the priority bracket and ultimately achieving the success that all parties on the council desire."

A briefing document reveals that Sefton Council is still determined to transform the plans into reality.

Paul Williams, Director of Technical Services for Sefton Council, says that the Thornton by-pass linking the A565 near Park View, Thornton, with Switch Island, Nether-ton, is one of 33 possible major schemes being considered across Merseyside, all being evaluated against the aims of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and government priorities for dealing with congestion, road safety, accessibility and air quality.

The current shortlist of the highest priority schemes includes the Merseytram project and improvements to Central Station, Liverpool, as well as park and ride enhancements.

Mr Williams believes there is a 'realistic possibility' of some of the priority schemes being funded from other sources, creating the opportunity for inclusion of the link road.

A possible collapse of the Merseytram project could also boost the relief road's chances.

Fellow Conservative councillor Bob Roberts (Blundellsands) who sits on the Merseytravel committee said: "We will continue to press for this road, which has been in demand since the 1920s.

"Given that scheme bids by competing authorities cannot be realised within the government imposed time scale, then the 'ready to start' Sefton proposal could be reconsidered."

Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Tony Robertson said: "I have personally fought for this relief road for many years and whilst we have been hearing rumours about the demise of the project I am not giving up and neither are my council colleagues. I really do want to win the battle."

He says the benefits of the road would include reduced congestion, better air quality in Thornton, safer roads and improved access to north Sefton communities such as Formby and Southport.

Labour councillor John Walker (Manor ward) said: "Negative speculation is unhelpful. It is important all parties and local political figures pull together in a bid to get funding for this road approved."

Draft bids must be submitted to the Department for Transport by July 31 although the final deadline is March next year.